SARGODHA, Aug 27 (APP):Modern goat-rearing practices can increase farmers’ income by 20 to 50 per cent compared with traditional methods and help alleviate rural poverty, Additional Director Livestock Dr Naila Maqsood said on Thursday. Talking to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), she said Sargodha was a major livestock hub, but many farmers lacked awareness of scientific goat-rearing techniques. She said Makhi Cheeni, Nugri, Nagri and Faisalabadi Beetal goats were …
Modern goat rearing can raise farmers’ income by upto 50pc:
SARGODHA, Aug 27 (APP):Modern goat-rearing practices can increase farmers’ income by 20 to 50 per cent compared with traditional methods and help alleviate rural poverty, Additional Director Livestock Dr Naila Maqsood said on Thursday.
Talking to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), she said Sargodha was a major livestock hub, but many farmers lacked awareness of scientific goat-rearing techniques. She said Makhi Cheeni, Nugri, Nagri and Faisalabadi Beetal goats were popular in the region and could provide a reliable source of income.
Describing goats as the “cows of the poor”, Dr Naila said they were relatively easy to rear, required less investment and provided meat and milk. She noted that goats generally gave birth twice a year, often producing twins or triplets, making them particularly useful for meeting the nutritional needs of rural families.
She said farmers in the division owned more than 2.5 million goats but often did not maintain proper records of feeding costs, other expenses and income. She stressed the need for greater awareness of nutrition, fodder management, housing, ventilation and disease prevention.
Dr Naila advised farmers to use galvanized wire instead of bamboo around animal pens, provide at least 6 to 10 square feet of space per goat in covered sheds and twice that space in open areas, and ensure adequate ventilation, light and dry flooring.
She also recommended grazing where possible and urged the government to allocate land for livestock grazing. During fodder shortages, farmers could use silage, hay, wanda and nutritious tree leaves such as those of keekar.
She encouraged investment in goat farming, particularly for meat exports, and advised farmers to consult qualified veterinary doctors rather than quacks for diagnosis and treatment of animals.
